The Story of Nine Asian Alphabets
$29.95
Hollym proudly presents The Story of Nine Asian Alphabets, a vibrant and educational journey into the diverse world of Asian writing systems. Planned by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), written by Shin Yoon Hwan et al., and illustrated by Jo Min Seok, this book is designed to inspire curious learners to explore the beauty and significance of language.
Originally published in Korean in 2013 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, the book has been widely appreciated for its accessible and thoughtful presentation of cultural knowledge. Now available to a global audience, this edition seeks to deepen understanding of linguistic diversity and promote mutual respect across cultures.
The book highlights nine Asian languages—Hindi, Arabic, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean—carefully selected for their geographical and linguistic variety. Readers are introduced to each language’s writing system through its historical development, distinctive script, and artistic expression in calligraphy. The writing systems featured span a range of scripts including Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Latin, and others, reflecting the vast tapestry of Asian communication and identity.
Rooted in the idea that letters are more than tools for communication—they are vessels of culture, memory, and human spirit—the book emphasizes the role of writing in preserving knowledge, shaping identity, and enabling peaceful coexistence. As stated in the book:
“Language is like music while letters are like pictures. Language is like time while the letter is like space… Letters are the site where humanity’s soul and knowledge are accumulated.”
With its thoughtful insights and captivating illustrations, The Story of Nine Asian Alphabets encourages curiosity about languages and fosters appreciation for cultural diversity—laying the foundation for global citizenship and intercultural understanding.
Foreword
Preface
Hindi Alphabet of India, Where Gods Live – Lee Jae Sook
The Mysterious and Beautiful Alphabet of Arabic – Kong Ji-Hyun
Easy When You Know It, Thai Letters – Kim Hongkoo
Vietnamese Letters: Uncovering the Mystery Through Understanding Its History – Ahn Kyong Hwan
The Easiest to Learn: Indonesia’s Language and Letters – Shin Yoon Hwan
Mongolian Language and Alphabet: The United Nomads of Mongolia – Kim Janggoo
World’s Oldest Chinese Characters – Ryu Dongchoon
Japanese Letters: Representing Both Sound and Meaning – Oh Miyoung
Korea’s Creative and Scientific Alphabet, Hangeul – Chung Byoung-Kyoo
References
Photo Credits
글 Written by
이재숙 Lee Jae Sook
한국외국어대학교 인도어과 강사 Instructor, Oriental Languages Program, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
공지현 Kong Ji-Hyun
한국외국어대학교 통번역대학원 한-아과 강사 Instructor, Arabic Department, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
김홍구 Kim Hongkoo
부산외국어대학교 태국어과 교수 Professor, Department of Thai, Busan University of Foreign Studies
안경환 Ahn Kyong Hwan
조선대학교 외국어대학 교수 Professor, College of Foreign Studies, Chosun University
신윤환 Shin Yoon Hwan
서강대학교 정치외교학과 교수 Professor, Department of Political Science, Sogang University
김장구 Kim Janggoo
동국대학교 문화학술원 전임연구원 Researcher, Dongguk Academy of Cultural Studies
류동춘 Ryu Dongchoon
서강대학교 중국문화전공 교수 Professor, Department of Chinese Culture, Sogang University
오미영 Oh Miyoung
숭실대학교 일어일본학과 부교수 Professor, Department of Japanese Language and Literature, Soongsil University
정병규 Chung Byoung-Kyoo
정병규디자인 대표 President, Chung Byoung-Kyoo Design
그림 Illustrated by
조민석 Jo Min Seok